Game of the week

Licking Heights (7-0, 2-0) at Licking Valley (6-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.

Licking Heights’ defense passed a difficult test in subduing the prolific passing game of
Granville 27-26 in overtime last week. Next for the Hornets, who have allowed just 57 points, is a
Licking Valley offense scoring 36.6 points per game.

“This will be just as a difficult a challenge for us because Valley is so balanced between the
run and pass,” Licking Heights coach Darren Waters said.

Waters said there is no real secret to Heights’ defensive success in recent seasons.

“What we try to do is keep things real simple and just let the kids play,” he said.

This is the teams’ first meeting since 1994.

Best of the rest

Brookhaven (5-2, 4-0) at Beechcroft (4-3, 2-2)

Three-time defending champion Beechcroft has been relegated to spoiler role in this City League
North rivalry. One of these teams has won or shared the City title in 25 of the past 27 seasons.
Brookhaven leads the series 16-15.

Eastmoor Academy (4-3, 3-1) at Marion-Franklin (6-1, 4-0)

Marion-Franklin can clinch a 10th straight City South title with a victory. Although the Red
Devils have won nine straight in this series, it usually is a tight game. Marion-Franklin won 6-0
in 2012.

Watterson (2-4, 0-0) at DeSales (3-3, 0-1)

The excitement may be tempered for this rivalry, but both teams are fighting to stay in playoff
contention. Watterson leads the series 35-21-1, including a 24-21 triple-overtime win in 2012.

Ready (7-0) at Bexley (5-2)

Loser in back-to-back games against West Jefferson and Madison Plains, Bexley faces a tough road
back against a Ready team scoring 53.1 points per game.

Hilliard Darby (6-1, 4-0) at Dublin Scioto (5-2, 3-1)

Although both Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal teams are scoring close to 33 points per game,
Darby’s defense has been much sturdier. Four of Scioto’s games have been decided by seven points or
fewer.

Olentangy (6-1, 3-1) at Worthington Kilbourne (6-1, 4-0)

After losing to OCC Capital co-leader New Albany 38-21 last week, Olentangy must circle the
wagons for a showdown against Kilbourne, which has won six straight after a 22-21 loss to Dublin
Scioto.

Olentangy Liberty (4-3, 3-1) at Hilliard Davidson (7-0, 4-0)

Liberty needs to knock off OCC Central-leading Davidson to climb back into playoff contention.
That’s a tall order given that the Wildcats have outscored their opponents 263-65.

Logan Elm (6-1, 4-0) at Circleville (5-2, 3-1)

Although Logan Elm has won four of the past five meetings in this Pickaway County rivalry, it
has been closely contested through the years. Logan Elm opened eyes with a 41-26 victory over
previously unbeaten Liberty Union last week.

Danville (6-1, 1-0) at Loudonville (7-0, 2-0), 7 p.m.

The Mid-Buckeye Conference championship will be on the line. Danville quarterback Ridge Durbin
has 2,175 yards and 31 touchdowns passing and running.